THE PREVIEW: Chelsea v Newcastle - Youngsters to the fore!

Tonight Chelsea take on Newcastle in the Carling Cup third round at Stamford Bridge and Carlo Ancelotti has named his youngest ever squad ahead of the game tonight and the question you have to ask is can they keep our 100% record going.

Before the game Carlo said:

"It is a good experience for them to play this kind of game. They are involved this season more compared to last season and when there is an opportunity I want to give them the opportunity to play and show their quality.

They were involved in the last games, Sturridge played in the Champions League, Kakuta played two games, Bruma played in the last game against Blackpool and they will get more opportunities to play.

The Academy did a good job in the last years and now we have the young players ready to play in our squad. Obviously against Newcastle it is important to win to maintain a good atmosphere here but the most important thing is that these players can show their quality for the team.

Some players we had involved in the last games and I will give them a rest to prepare well for the next games, JT is fit to play and maybe can play tomorrow for 45 minutes which could help Bruma, but Lampard is not available.

(Source Chelseafc.com)
Carlo has confirmed that Ross Turnbull will replace Petr Cech in goal tonight with Cole, Mikel, Essien and Drogba all rested. Nico Anelka didn't feature on Sunday so could be involved in some capacity tonight. Expect the likes of Zhirkov and Benayoun to feature.

So it could be more youngsters involved tonight with one in particular getting alot of attention in the last few days and that's Josh McEachran. Whether or not he starts the game is another thing, but expect him to be involved. At just 17 years of age, McEachran is a real talent and expect to see him more and more throughout the season.

Didier Drogba has spoken of McEachran and believes his is the best he has seen coming through at the club. He said:

"These kind of games gives us a chance to see our young players who did well last year. It's good for them to have some minutes on the pitch and to see the difference between being a reserve and a Premier League player. They will improve and this game is going to be good for them.

Bruma has a lot to learn but he has already been alongside John Terry, Alex, Branislav Ivanovic and picked up a lot. It's difficult to find a left-back, so it's good to find Van Aanholt. The people from the academy are working well, so credit to them.

McEachran is one of the best midfielders I have seen since I have been here. Him and Kakuta are very good players. Gael won the European Under-19 Championships with France in the summer and is improving being with us.

Daniel is 21 but when you see the way he is playing, you would think he is 25 or 26 with a lot of experience. In front of the goal he is very calm and very relaxed and I like that. It is not easy to find a left-footed striker but this is one of his qualities.”

Speaking of our talent at the club, JT has also spoken of them ahead of today. He said:

"We have a great squad of players mixed with some very good young players who are making their mark on the team. These opportunities are not only great for them but also for our youth system and credit goes to everyone working hard in the academy.

The manager has spoken about the importance of strength in our squad this season and competition for places is always a good thing".

(Source: The Sun)

Let's just remember here, this is a tough game tonight against Newcastle who will come to Chelsea, knowing they have a great chance at knocking us out with a weakened side against them with one person in particular who brings the opposite to the game and thats experience. Sol Campbell is set to make his debut for Newcastle at the Bridge tonight and if anyone will be up for it and looking to inspire his team-mates to get stuck in it will be him.

Toon Boss Chris Hughton spoke of Campbell before the game and said:

"He's a player of very good experience, he's good around the place, good on the training pitch – probably the only disappointment is that we got him as late as we did, Up until this moment, he hasn't been up to speed with his fitness. But he's ready and available."

(Source: The Guardian)

Campbell himself spoke to the press ahead of the game and said:

"Nothing is easy in life, so we have to roll our sleeves up and get on with it. The main thing is being out there and smelling the environment of a football arena again.

We have to be mindful of what they have done already but we have to go there with the best plan. I just want to get out there now. It is a great game for us against one of the best teams in the world.'

(Source: Daily Mail)

Chris Hughton also spoke of Chelsea before the game and what his side will be up against tonight. He said:

“What we are up against is a side which is the best team in the country, They seem to almost have the perfect game. They are scoring goals left, right and centre and not conceding any.

The best way to go there as a team is to not expect to win and enjoy the challenge of going up against the best team in the country. I will set my team out in a way which we will hope can get us something from the game. It is hard to stop them.

(Source: Journal Live)

So there we have it, both camps have spoken ahead of the game and its now down to the 11 players that take to the pitch to go out there and get a result. This is no easy game for Chelsea against a Newcastle side we are expected to make changes of their own tonight with five or six a possibility.

As always, they will be up for the game like the travelling Toon Army' that will support them.

Chelsea, whoever is starting the game, need to match Newcastle in the early stages of the game as they will look to press our midfield and not allow any time on the ball. If we can match their enthusiasm and get our foot on the ball and play then we just might have the edge tonight.

The only thing I will predict is that it may take both sides some time to get into their stride tonight so don't expect anything to happen too soon!.

So to the Chelsea fringe players, reserves and promising youngsters its over to you. You have been waiting for your chance to impress and tonight you get your chance. So make sure you take it with both hands and really show all of us what you can do out there.

The key to this one could be the Sturridge v Campbell battle. If the ball is played to them up in the air, its Campbell's all game. If the ball is played into Sturridge with Campbell up his arse, it will be hard to Danny to get the better of him. However, if he can make runs either side of Campbell and into the channels and Chelsea can provide him with the right kind of service then his pace will beat any centre back in the game.

That will be the difference against a hard-working and honest Newcastle side. I'll take a 1-0 win as after all a win is a win.

Come on the Chelsea!

Carefree & KTBFFH!